DETROIT, MI -- Monday marked the 114th Opening Day in Detroit Tigers history and puts the team in a position to get closer to a .500 record for season openers at home.

The Tigers entered the game (1:08 p.m. on Fox Sports Detroit) against the Kansas City Royals with a 53-59-1 record in the previous 113 season openers.

There are quite a few milestones set before the opening pitch.

The contest marked the sixth time the Tigers have hosted the Royals in Detroit's home opener.

A few more interesting Opening Day facts heading into game at Comerica Park:

- Six Tigers players are on the Opening Day Roster for the first time: Nick Castellanos, Tyler Collins, Luke Putkonen, Bryan Holaday, Ian Krol and Evan Reed.

- First-year Tigers manager Brad Ausmus became Monday just the 10th manager in Tigers history to have also played at the major league level for Detroit.

- Justin Verlander makes his seven career Opening Day start on the mound against the Royals. He becomes the first tigers pitcher to start seven consecutive Opening Days since Jack Morris started 11 straight (1980-90).

- Before Monday's game, Verlander had a Opening Day record of 3-3, but won his previous two Opening Day starts against the Red Sox (3-2) and Twins (4-2).